LiaMin Consulting

KEY EXPERTISE

Using the experience gained from geological modelling of numerous base metal and gold deposits over a 30-year career Bill Sheppard has developed a strategy for mineral deposit geological study referred to as Mineral Deposit Anatomy (MDA). MDA is:

The achievements of previous MDA studies have included i) substantial increase in Resource grade and tonnage, ii) revised correlation of ore zones to greatly increase Resource confidence, iii) improved target definition near-mine to greatly reduce the priority drilling budget and iv) a definition of the appropriate level of geological risk to be applied to the global Resource in near-mine and brownfield project situations. Individual studies are geared to the project stage and are designed to be aligned to project priorities.  Study can optimize:

• i)   Exploration targeting     
• ii)  Evaluation drillhole planning and interpretation     
• iii) Resource modelling and verification   
• iv) Metallurgical sample selection     
• v)  Geological input into mine planning

MDA study can be initiated as soon as exploration drilling has defined the presence of a mineralized system. MDA should be considered as the fundamental geological first phase of Resource modelling. The focus of MDA study evolves through the progression of a project from exploration and evaluation to mining:

• 6 to 20 Drill Intersection Stage:  Initial MDA study i) creates a preliminary geological model, ii) guides drill targeting and drilling strategy, iii) optimizes core logging procedures, iv) reviews the implications of rock property realities and v) ensure consistency of data collection
• Resource Estimation Stage:  Fuller study i) verifies ore zone correlation, ii)  establishes geological controls on grade, iii) increases Resource confidence and iv) directs evaluation drilling
• During Pre-Feasibility:  Further study focuses on the i) optimization of metallurgical sample selection ii) geological input into mine planning and iii) maintenance of maximum Resource confidence

Additional goals of MDA study include project team upskilling, team member motivation and on-site management empowerment. It has been successfully applied to rejuvenate and provide new direction for stalled projects.